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I too understand that you must be feeling worried about having a gastric bypass. However, hopefully it will help substantially with the reflux problems you're having and therefore improve your quality of life.

I'm afraid I don't have details of the support group Andy Ko has mentioned, but perhaps you could PM her for the details as she's suggested in her post?

I shall be thinking of you on 26th April and hoping all goes well with your surgery.

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I'm sorry you are having so much trouble with reflux and all. I know the surgery will really change your life, in both good ways and bad. It is entirely understandable to be so concerned about it, and saying goodbye to some (or many or nearly all) favorite foods you will no longer be able to enjoy.

My guess is that it will be awhile before you get to experience and appreciate the benefits of the surgery, like, no more reflux, and to develop a liking for your new menu.

So just hang in there. We will all be here for you -- before, during and after, and eager to hear how you fare.

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Well surgery is set for next week. I had another really bad attack last week and really aspirated into my lungs. This then developed into filling my left lung. I also had a pre-surgical physical that ended up with an abnormal EKG. So last Friday I had a stress test/ECHO and it was normal, thank heavens. The reflux attacks are so hard on my lungs and then my heart. After the attack I have lingering nausea from the lidocaine concoction and now I also have this horrible chest pain due to the aspiration. So I am so anxious for this whole mess to come to an end. However I am not going into this surgery blindly though. I have done alot of research online and have been on boards with others who have had it and it sounds like quite a life-changing experience. But as all of us know this whole dang disease Scleroderma is a life-changing experience also.

So I hope all goes well and that the surgery will be a great success with no complications. Today I had my 2nd injection into my back. With the x-rays and MRI's I've had done they found that my lower spine and discs are degenerating and I have what the call facet syndrome. So I have the 2nd of an injection into the back of a facet median branch block. Now that these 2 have been done then in a month or so I will have a radiofrequency ablation which is another kind of shot into the back that provides 8 months of no pain. I also have the spinal stimulator in to help with my leg pain. I had that put in May of last year and it has been so wonderful. It is amazing and even with that there are some days that the pain I have actually surpasses what I am able to cover with the stimulator so I can't imagine what kind of pain I'd be in without it.

So you can see this good ol' disease has really come on full force on me the last 6+ months and I am so looking forward to having this surgery and maybe enjoy a wonderful summer. I will post as soon as I am able after the surgery.

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Peggy, so sorry you've had such a time these past months, hope this surgery will greatly relieve your symptoms.

I had a fundoplication 3 years ago which stopped all my horrible burning-on-the-inside and aspiration attacks. Yes, recovery from the surgery was rough and a new and different way of eating was an adjustment, but well worth it as a trade for the reflux.

Sounds like your doctor has researched your situation fully and that the gastric bypass will be your best chance for a great result. I'll keep you in mind next week too, wish you the best for a speedy recovery!